On June 7th, 2025, in Saint John, Grand Chief of the Wolastoqey Nation, Ron Tremblay (who also goes by spasaqsit possesom, or “Morning Star Burning”) made a statement regarding the Sisson Mine project located just outside Fredericton.
Grand Chief Tremblay’s statement was made at an event where he signed a document in support of Dr. Jeff Houlahan — a professor at the University of New Brunswick’s Saint John campus—and his participation in the Global March to Gaza.
Tremblay noted that the developer, Northcliff Resources, accepted a contract for $20 million from the United States’ Department of Defense to develop the tungsten deposit in the proposed Sisson Mine.
Tremblay voiced concerns that these tungsten deposits located on traditional Wolastoqey territory would be used to create weapons, a possibility that he called “disturbing.” Tremblay also accused the New Brunswick provincial government of breaking their promise to consult with Wolastoqey leaders before making any decisions on the mining project.
Minister of Indigenous Affairs, Keith Chiasson, responded to Tremblay’s concerns by asserting that no development of the Sisson mine will occur without an Environmental Impact Assessment, which is jointly approved by the Department of Environment and Local Government and the Department of Indigenous Affairs, and requires consultation with Indigenous leaders.
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